Education is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the rise of online platforms. Whether you’re a student seeking to expand your knowledge or a professional aiming to acquire new skills, online learning platforms offer a convenient and flexible way to achieve your goals.
With so many options available, it’s essential to find an online learning platform that offers the best value for your investment. This guide explores the twenty-three best eLearning platforms, detailing their cost and price plans to help you make an informed choice.
From popular online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy to niche providers catering to specific fields, there’s something for everyone. These platforms not only provide a wide range of courses but also come with various features designed to enhance your learning experience.
Let’s delve into the details and find out which of these best providers suits your needs and budget.
Online Learning Platforms: Transforming Learning in the Digital Age
Learning Management Systems (LMS) have revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge and skills. An eLearning platform is essentially a software application that enables learners and instructors to connect virtually, making education accessible beyond the traditional classroom setting.
These platforms offer a range of features, from creating and delivering online courses to tracking progress, administering quizzes, and issuing certifications.
Comparing Pricing and Plans: Your Guide to Choosing the Right LMS
When considering an eLearning platform, one of the critical factors to evaluate is the pricing structure. The cost-effectiveness of these platforms can significantly impact individuals, educational institutions, and businesses alike.
Below is a detailed comparison of twenty-three best eLearning platforms and their price plans, empowering you to make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
1. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds stands out with its focus on interactive and engaging learning experiences. While pricing tiers vary, the platform’s emphasis on gamification and multimedia integration adds value to the eLearning process.
| Plan | Starter | Pro Trainer | Learning Center |
| Pricing | $24/Month | $79/Month | $249/Month |
| $5 per course sale | No transaction fees | No transaction fees | |
| Features | – Create Courses – Unlimited Paid Courses – eBook Pages Builder – Exams & Quizzes – 1:1 and Group Sessions – Drip-Feed Courses – Create your website – 3-Page Website – Site templates – Custom domain – 3 Payment gateways – Flexible Checkout Options – Coupons – Manage school – 1 Admin – Free SSL certificate – Centralized tag manager – Connect your tools – Marketing tools integrations – Accounting integrations – Essential Help – 24/5 e-mail support – Help Center | – Increase engagement – Unlimited Free & Paid Courses – Customizable Course Player – Assessments & Certificates – Live Classes & Webinars – 20 SCORMs / HTML5 – Unlimited website pages – Mass emails (soon) – Subscriptions &Memberships – Installments – Funnels – Organize your team – 5 Admins / Instructors – Affiliate Management – Users Import – Develop your ecosystem – Advanced Zapier – Advanced Hubspot – Core Support – 24/7 e-mail support -LearnWorldsAcademy | – Boost the learning experience – Interactive Videos – Auto-Transcripts & Subtitles – Advanced Assessments – Zoom & Webex Multiple Accounts – Unlimited SCORMs/ HTML5 – Remove LearnWorlds Brand – Android & iOS Apps – Multiple Schools Dashboard (soon) – Access insightful reporting – Progress Reports/ User Segments – Course Insights reports – Schedule Automated Reports – Boost efficiency – Automation – Bulk User Actions – 25 Custom User Roles – Multiple Seat Offering – 5 Seat Managers – Extend your capabilities – API & Webhooks – Multiple SSO – Premium Assistance |
The best online course platform for creating, selling and promoting your online courses. Start monetizing your skills, experiences and your audience.
2. iSpring Learn LMS
iSpring Learn LMS offers cloud-based eLearning software with pricing plans designed to accommodate various user requirements. With a focus on ease of use and integration, iSpring Learn LMS provides a robust solution for organizations aiming to deliver engaging learning experiences.
- 500 Users: $3.72/per user/month/billed annually
- 300 Users: $4.11/per user/month/billed annually
- 100 Users: $5.27/per user/month/billed annually
3. Teachable
Teachable, similar to Thinkific, empowers course creators to build and market their online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and generating income.
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Price (Annually) | Features and Benefits |
| Free | $0 | – | – No credit card is required – $1 + 10% transaction fee – 1 published product of each type (course, coaching, downloads) – No-code course builder and web pages – Student referrals – teachable: pay with integrated payment processing – 1 admin & author seat |
| Basic | $39 | $468 | – All Free plan features plus: – 5% transaction fee – 5 published products of each type (course, coaching, downloads) – Integrated email marketing – Coupons and order bumps – Custom domains – Live group coaching – Accelerator challenge access |
| Pro | $119 | $1,428 | – All Free plan features plus: – 0% transaction fee – 50 published products of each type (course, coaching, downloads) – Affiliate marketing – Live chat support – Upsells to increase order value – Public API access – Removable branding – 5 admin & author seats |
| Pro+ | $199 | $2,388 | – All Free plan features plus: – 0% transaction fee – 200 courses – 200 coaching products – 200 digital downloads – 200 product bundles – Custom user roles |
Join Teachable for everything you need to grow your course business—from meaningful support to creator-focused features.
4. Google Classroom
Google Classroom, a part of Google Workspace for Education, revolutionizes the eLearning landscape with its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Google tools. The platform offers collaborative learning opportunities, making it an attractive option for educators and learners alike.
Google Classroom is available as a complimentary offering for individuals who possess a personal Google account. Moreover, it is provided at no cost to institutions utilizing either Google Workspace for Education or Google Workspace for nonprofits.
Typically, educators and students can avail themselves of Google Classroom through the employment of a Google account bestowed upon them by their educational institution.
- You can talk to a Google for Education Sales Specialist to recieve detailed information about their products, pricing and features.
5. Docebo
Docebo stands out as a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS), distinguished by its focus on tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences across various languages.
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise aiming to elevate employee training and growth, Docebo’s versatile pricing plans are designed to accommodate organizations of all sizes.
To gain a comprehensive grasp of Docebo’s pricing models, simply fill out the inquiry form available on their official website and proceed by selecting the “Submit” option. Following this step, the adept Docebo team will promptly connect with you through the provided Business Email to furnish you with additional insights and details.
- You can Book A Demo to get a custom pricing.
6. iSpring Suite
iSpring Suite complements the iSpring Learn LMS by providing authoring capabilities. It’s an all-in-one toolkit for creating interactive eLearning content with PowerPoint integration, offering value for educators and businesses aiming to create engaging courses. Businesses, Freelancers, and Academics have different prices and plans. The pricing for Academic is listed below.
Business
- iSpring Suite: 770€/per author/year
- iSpring Suite MAX: 970€/per author/year
- iSpring Suite Premium: 1,970€/per author/year
Freelancers
- iSpring Suite: 490€/single user/year
- iSpring Suite MAX: 690€/single user/year
7. Lectora
Lectora Inspire is an advanced authoring tool that empowers instructional designers to create interactive courses. Lectora’s features enable the development of immersive learning content that meets diverse learning needs.
Prospective purchasers can review the pricing details provided below for those who are prepared to make a purchase. Alternatively, individuals who aren’t yet prepared to make a purchase can take advantage of Lectora’s 30-day trial period, allowing them to explore the software’s features before committing.
| Licensing Options | Per Author per year |
| Pricing | $117 per month$1,398 USD billed annually |
| Features Included | – Lectora® Online: An online version of the authoring tool. – Lectora® Desktop: A desktop version of the authoring tool. – ReviewLink®: A feature for collaborative course review. – Asset Library: A repository of learning assets. |
8. Moodle
Moodle, an open-source learning platform, offers cost-effective solutions for educators. While the platform itself is free, there might be costs associated with hosting and customization, making it an attractive option for institutions seeking budget-friendly alternatives.
The option to contribute through one-time donations or monthly contributions is available, and you also have the opportunity to make purchases from the Moodle Shop. These efforts aid in sustaining Moodle’s ongoing commitment to enhancing online learning experiences. Importantly, any profits generated from these purchases directly support the development of the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
| Tier | Starter | Premium |
| Price | $180 AUD Annual | Customized Pricing |
| Users | Up to 50 | Hundreds to Millions |
| Storage | 250 MB | Extra Storage Available |
| Support | Self-Service Knowledge Base | 24/7 Real-Time Expert Support |
| Hosting Type | Standard Hosting Plans | Premium Hosting Solutions |
| Features | – Personalized Site Name – Unlimited Courses & Activities – Site Usage Tracking – Integrated Video Conferencing – Self-Service Support – Moodle Apps Premium Plan – File Hosting (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) | – Enhanced Security – Custom Domain Names – Third-Party Integrations – Expanded Branding Options – Community Plugin Library – Expert Onboarding – Deployments & Implementation – Specialized Consulting Services |
Key Differentiators:
- Starter Plan is perfect for smaller-scale deployments with a focus on affordability and ready-to-go features.
- Premium Plan caters to larger-scale needs, offering scalability, enhanced security, real-time expert support, and a wide range of advanced customization options.
Both plans offer excellent value and are tailored to different user requirements, ensuring a comprehensive hosting solution for Moodle users at various scales.
9. Schoology
Schoology provides a collaborative platform for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. While pricing details may vary, Schoology’s focus on engagement and communication contributes to enriching the eLearning experience. Arrange a discussion with a Schoology sales representative to request a personalized demonstration tailored to your specific preferences. This session will provide you with insights into how Schoology’s platform aligns with your individual needs and requirements.
| Pricing Model | Freemium | One-time Purchased License |
| License | Free | Paid |
| Starting Price | N/A | Varies per Implementation |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Included | Free to educators in K-12 public and private schools, colleges and universities worldwide | |
| Additional Cost | Cost per student: $10 (One-time fee) |
10. TalentLMS
TalentLMS caters to a wide range of users, from small businesses to enterprises, with its scalable pricing plans. Its user-friendly interface and features like gamification and SCORM support make it a versatile choice for creating engaging courses. Below are standard monthly plans.
| Tier | Starter | Basic | Plus | Premium |
| Monthly Price | $89 | $189 | $369 | $569 |
| Users | Up to 40 | Up to 100 | Up to 500 | Up to 1000 |
| Branches | N/A | 1 branch | 3 branches | 15 branches |
| Courses | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Email Support | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Priority |
| Custom Homepage | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Single Sign-On | N/A | Included | Included | Included |
| Custom Domain | N/A | Custom domain + SSL | Custom domain + SSL | Custom domain + SSL |
| Custom Reports | N/A | N/A | Included | Included |
| Account Manager | N/A | N/A | N/A | Included |
| Automation | N/A | N/A | N/A | Included |
| Live Chat Support | N/A | N/A | N/A | Included |
11. Canvas by Instructure
Canvas is a widely used LMS that focuses on educational institutions, from K-12 schools to universities. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for instructors to create, manage, and deliver online courses. Canvas provides features such as discussion boards, assignments, quizzes, grading, and collaboration tools.
Canvas offers different pricing plans based on the size and needs of the institution. While some features might be tailored more towards educational institutions, Canvas has also been adopted by businesses and organizations for training purposes due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set.
Canvas LMS also offers a paid account with enhanced features, though specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed by Instructure. To obtain accurate pricing information tailored to your institution’s requirements, it’s recommended to directly contact Canvas LMS for a personalized price quote.
12. LearnDash
LearnDash is a WordPress-based LMS that enables the creation of online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it’s an excellent option for entrepreneurs, educators, and businesses looking to offer engaging online training.
| LearnDash Pricing Plans | Features | Price |
| Single Site Plan | 1 WordPress site | $199/year |
| 10-Site Plan | Up to 10 WordPress sites | $399/year |
| Unlimited Plan | Unlimited WordPress sites | $799/year |
13. Schoox
Schoox focuses on employee training and development with its comprehensive LMS. Pricing is customizable based on the organization’s needs, and the platform emphasizes creating a personalized learning experience.
| Plan | Light | Professional | Enterprise |
| Price | $6/User/Month | $5/User/Month | Custom |
| Users | Up to 300 employees | Up to 300 employees | Up to 1000 employees |
| Features | Learning Engagement Course and Curriculum Creation Blended Training Collaborative Training Exams Training Assignment Train and Hire Candidates, Partners, Customers Compliance Management Reporting Course Library Monetize your Courses Native Mobile Apps Content Curation and Management Flexible Content Upload Flexible Permissions based on your Org Structure Curate Content Social Collaboration Drag & Drop Content Powerful Search Drive Team Building with Groups Improve Social Engagement | Learning Engagements Includes features of Light Plan | Includes features of Professional |
14. Thinkific
Thinkific offers a user-friendly platform for creating and selling online courses. Its pricing plans cater to a wide range of users, from individual entrepreneurs to businesses looking to monetize their expertise.
| Plan | Features | Price |
| Free | – Test-drive Thinkific for free – Build your first online course and community – 1 course – 1 community – 2 spaces per community – 1 administrator – Unlimited Students – Email (30 days) and chatbot – 100% ownership of content – Drag and drop course builder – Easy-to-use website themes – Fully integrated e-commerce – App store – Course quizzes and surveys – Thinkific Academy Course | $0 USD/mo |
| Basic | – Gain access to core features and essential tools – Unlimited Courses – 5 spaces per community – Email and live chat support – Custom domain – Coupons & discounts – Affiliate selling | $36 USD/mo |
| Start | – Unlock additional features designed for student engagement – All Free Account Features – 10 spaces per community – Thinkific Mobile – Assignments – Bundles and add-on packages – Memberships & payment plans – Live lessons – Advanced course-building options – Advanced website code editing | $74 USD/mo |
| Grow | – Grow your online business with more advanced tools – All Start Plan features – 3 communities – 20 spaces per community – 2 administrators – Phone and priority email support – Remove Thinkific branding – Bulk student emailer – Bulk enrollments – API Access | $149 USD/mo |
15. Blackboard
Blackboard, now part of Anthology, continues to offer a versatile online learning platform that supports educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies in delivering effective digital learning experiences.
It excels in providing robust tools for virtual classrooms, interactive whiteboarding, and real-time feedback, fostering an engaging and collaborative environment for students and educators alike.
- For more information on Blackboard’s features and services, visit Anthology’s website at Anthology.com.
16. Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate stands out as a robust authoring tool dedicated to facilitating eLearning development. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, Adobe Captivate empowers content creators to craft engaging and interactive learning experiences.
This software caters to a variety of requirements through its diverse pricing options, ensuring that individuals and organizations can find a plan that aligns seamlessly with their specific needs.
It stands out as a robust authoring tool dedicated to facilitating eLearning development. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, Adobe Captivate empowers content creators to craft engaging and interactive learning experiences.
- You can contact Adobe Captivate’s sales to get your custom pricing.
17. WizIQ
WizIQ offers virtual classroom solutions and course creation tools. Its pricing plans cater to educators and organizations looking to deliver live online classes and self-paced courses. Feel free to reach out to them to gather more details regarding the pricing that aligns with your specific requirements. Additionally, you have the option to inquire about scheduling a demonstration.
| LMS Pricing Tiers | Starter Plan | Elite Plan | Infinite Plan |
| Monthly Cost | $1/user | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| Features | – Create and run online courses – Tests with multiple-choice questions – Co-branded web app – Discussion forum – Integrated payment gateway – Assignments – Conditional access to content – Certificate of completion – 2 hours of personalized instructor training – 25 GB storage | – Everything in the Starter plan and more features – Single sign-on – Custom White-labelled Domain – Custom SMTP – Custom Stripe Gateway – Dedicated onboarding and customer success manager – Custom certificate on course completion | – Everything in the Elite plan and more features – Additional features |
By using this table, the information is presented in a structured manner, allowing readers to easily compare the features of each pricing tier and make an informed decision based on their requirements and budget.
18. Litmos
Litmos, a SAP company, provides a scalable LMS solution for employee training and customer education. Pricing varies based on user requirements, making it suitable for businesses of different sizes.
Once you’re prepared to make a purchase, you can obtain the pricing information by completing and submitting the provided form. This process ensures that you receive accurate pricing tailored to your needs.
Foundation Suite | Premier Suite | Platinum Suite |
| Features: – Foundation LMS – Core Implementation – Foundation Training Content | Features: – Premier LMS – Premier Implementation – Platinum Training Content *Premier suite is available with or without content | Features: – platinum LMS – Platinum Implementation – Platinum Training Content *Platinum suite is available with or without content |
19. Skillshare
Skillshare follows a subscription-based model, granting users access to a wide range of courses for a monthly fee. This platform is ideal for learners seeking to explore diverse topics and skills. Whether you’re keen on creative arts, practical crafts, technology, or personal development, Skillshare’s subscription approach offers a cost-effective means to quench your thirst for knowledge and growth.
| Features | Premium Plan | Team Plan |
| Classes | 35,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Join the community | Yes | Yes |
| Offline watching | Yes | Yes |
| Supports the community | Yes | Yes |
| Refunds | 7 days | No |
| Free trial | 1 month | No |
| Team management features | No | Yes |
| Payment Plans | ||
| Annual Billing | $168 USD | Skillshare for Teams $159 USD |
| (working out at $14 a month) | (per user/per year) | |
20. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and institutions to offer online courses and degrees. While it provides free courses, its pricing structure includes subscription plans for learners who wish to earn certifications and degrees.
The cost of the service is determined by the specific courses that a user chooses to pursue in order to obtain certificates. This personalized approach allows users to pay for courses that align with their individual preferences and goals.
| Coursera Plans | Features | Pricing |
| (Monthly)Subscription Plan | – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses – Hands-on projects – Job-ready certificate programs – All included in your subscription – Cancel anytime | $59/month Cancel anytime |
| (Annual)Subscription Plan | – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses – Hands-on projects – Job-ready certificate programs – All included in your subscription | $399/year14-day money-back guarantee |
21. Udemy
Udemy is a well-known platform that hosts a vast library of courses created by individual instructors. While some courses are free, others require payment, allowing learners to choose courses that align with their interests.
Whether you’re seeking to explore introductory subjects or delve deeply into advanced topics, the choice between free and paid courses provides the flexibility necessary to create a learning path that resonates with you.
Udemy Pricing
| Typical Course Price Range | $11.99 – $199.99 per course |
| Personal Subscription Plan | Starting at $16.58/month |
| Pro Subscription Plan | Starting at $16.58/month |
| Discounts and Sales Events | Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Course Creator Sales |
22. LinkedIn Learning
Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers a subscription-based model for accessing a vast collection of courses. With a focus on professional development, it’s an excellent resource for individuals seeking to enhance their skills. If you’re an individual looking to get started, you have the option to initiate a 1-month trial period absolutely free. This trial comes with the freedom to cancel at any point you wish.
| Subscription Choices | Annual Plan | Monthly Plan |
| Trial Period | 1-month free trial | 1-month free trial |
| Followed by Charges | $17.22/month* | $34.45/month* |
| Reminder Before Trial Ends | Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion | Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion |
23. edX
edX, similar to Coursera, collaborates with universities to provide online courses and degrees. The platform caters to various learning preferences by offering both free audit options for courses, which provide access to course materials without certification and paid alternatives that grant learners the opportunity to earn verified certificates or even pursue full-fledged degrees.
This approach enables individuals to tailor their learning experience based on their aspirations, whether they’re looking for skill enhancement, career advancement, or academic achievement.
edX Course Access
| Auditing Courses | Free |
| Verified Learning Pathway | Requires Payment |
| Verified Certificate Fee per Course | $50 – $300 |
Making the Right Choice for Your eLearning Journey
Choosing the right eLearning platform involves careful consideration of your learning needs, budget, and desired features. Whether you’re an educator aiming to deliver engaging online training or an individual seeking to acquire new skills, the landscape of eLearning platforms offers a solution tailored to your goals.
By comparing the cost and pricing plans of these 23 top platforms, you’re well-equipped to embark on a successful eLearning journey that aligns with your aspirations.
Conclusion
Online learning platforms allow learners to keep track of their progress, ask questions, and engage in interactive sessions. Whether you want to learn new skills for personal enrichment or to advance your professional life, these eLearning platforms offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, catering to students’ diverse needs and schedules.
For those who prefer to learn through structured courses or self-paced modules, these platforms provide the best options to get the high-quality courses you seek.
Embracing these online education tools ensures that you can stay ahead in your career and continue learning, regardless of your busy schedule.
You can read our other blog if you want to learn more about online learning platforms and don’t forget to check out our hottest deals and discounts today!
FAQs
What Are the Best Online Learning Platforms for Affordable Online Courses?
Some of the best online learning platforms for affordable online courses include Coursera, MasterClass, and Skillshare.
What Topics Are Covered by Online Learning Platforms?
Online learning platforms cover a wide range of topics such as personal development, technology, business, arts, language, and more.
Can I Enroll in Individual Courses on Online Learning Platforms?
Yes, many online learning platforms allow students to enroll in individual courses based on their interests and needs.
Do Online Learning Platforms Offer Certificates Upon Course Completion?
Yes, most online learning platforms offer certificates to students upon successful completion of courses to showcase their skills and knowledge.
Are Online Courses on Platforms Like Coursera Taught by Qualified Instructors?
Yes, platforms like Coursera ensure that courses are taught by experienced and qualified instructors to provide high-quality education to students.
Can I Learn at My Own Pace on Online Learning Platforms?
Yes, online learning platforms allow students to learn at their own pace, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
How Much Does It Cost to Access Premium Membership on Online Learning Platforms?
The cost of premium membership on online learning platforms can vary widely, but some platforms offer affordable options starting at $99 per year.
